Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on June 10, 2026
Two patients have been confirmed with Legionella at Pittsburgh VA. The same germ that killed six patients and sickened 22 others at the same hospital in 2011 and 2012. Serious water contamination was observed during that time. So serious that a continuous monitoring program exists for the facility.
Unfortunately, those proactive efforts did not protect those two patients.
What is Legionella and how does it spread? What could have caused these illnesses. Could they be related to previous outbreaks? What is being done to protect vulnerable patients?
Here’s what we know so far about Legionella at Pittsburgh VA and what you should do if you get sick!
So far, a cluster of two patients have tested positive for Legionella, the bacterial infection responsible for Legionnaires’ disease.
This illness is often deadly. Especially in people with certain risk factors. One of which involves acquiring the illness in a hospital setting. Many patients with Legionnaires’ disease die within a month of diagnosis.
So, what is Legionnaires’ disease anyway? How do you get it and how bad is it?
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria.
While these bacteria are naturally occurring in fresh water sources (lakes, streams, rivers, etc.), it becomes a big problem when they make their way into building water systems. Like that of the Pittsburgh VA.
If these bacteria are allowed to grow, people can become sick. Some may die.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Rates of illness are high. And so is mortality rate. An unfortunate 1 in 10 will die from their infection. If acquired in a hospital setting, that statistic increases to 1 in 4.
Cooling towers are a significant source of Legionnaires’ disease. But there are other sources.
There are several common sources of Legionnaires’ disease. A small amount of Legionella bacterial contamination can grow into a huge problem. When that bacteria can become a mist, people can breathe in those tiny droplets containing those germs.
Some of the common sources of Legionella bacteria include:
It is unclear where the two cases of Legionella at the Pittsburgh VA were exposed. Was it water from the plumbing system? Sink faucets or shower heads, for example. Could it have been the cooling tower? The air handling system responsible for temperature control in patient rooms and throughout the building?
More tests are necessary to narrow down the source to mitigate the situation.
With ongoing Legionella issues, one of the major talking points is whether these new cases of Legionella at the Pittsburgh VA are related to previous outbreaks.
The most notable occurred between 2011 and 2012 where 22 people were sickened. Five people died within 30 of being diagnosed. These illnesses spanned two campuses of the Pittsburgh VA. The University Drive Campus and the Heinz Campus.
Hopefully this cluster of illnesses is limited to the two currently identified.
But are these two illnesses related to the ones 15 years ago?
My unofficial, semi-expert opinion that is still based on science is yes. These new illnesses are likely related to the previous outbreak.
Now, let me tell you why.
Biofilm.
Yes, biofilm.
A biofilm is a matrix made up of microorganisms (things like algae, fungi, and bacteria) that attaches to surfaces. They form a slimy structure full of sugars and proteins that protect themselves from disinfectants and sanitation efforts.
These biofilms often form inside water systems. Places like pipes and tanks.
If part of the biofilm remains after decontamination, it can easily regrow to infectious numbers after the bulk of decontamination has been completed. Allowing the seeds of Legionella bacteria and other microorganisms to regrow.
Patients staying at the Pittsburgh VA often have one or more of the major risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease.
These include:
In response to Legionella at the Pittsburgh VA, the facility is treating, flushing, and testing water lines. However, reports indicate that the Allegheny County health Department has not been notified. Which, in this case, may not be required. Seeing as the facility is already submitting ongoing testing as required by the Federal government in response to the previous deadly outbreak we discussed.
Only specialized laboratory tests can determine if you have Legionnaires’ disease. As symptoms often present like typical pneumonia illness, it is important to notify your healthcare provider of your potential exposure risk if you begin experiencing symptoms.
So, what types of symptoms are common?
Common symptoms include:
Other Symptoms may include:
Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.
If you have pneumonia-like symptoms and recently visited the Pittsburgh VA, you may have Legionnaires’ disease. Seek medical attention right away, as prompt diagnosis often leads to better outcomes.
Reporting your illness can also help the outbreak investigation. Understanding exposure periods and locations of interest can paint a more thorough picture for outbreak investigators. Your cooperation may help narrow or expand the scope of the outbreak investigation.
If you have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting, staying, or working at the Pittsburgh VA it is also a good idea to get advice from an experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer.
Medical bills, lost work, and other burdens associated with Legionnaires’ disease add up. Who is responsible for those expenses?
If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)